Person:John Rainnie (1)

1916 - With parents at Key West, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. John Alfred RAINNIE, aged 1, born at Saskatchewan, of Scotch origin, Canadian nationality, Presbyterian religion.

1945 - Recorded in Canada Voters List as John A. RAINNIE, farmer, residing at Alida, Assiniboia, Saskatchewan [with wife].

1974 - Recorded in Canada Voters List as John A. RAINNIE, lumber manager, residing at Reston, Brandon-Souris, Manitoba [with wife and 2 sons].

1995-2002 - Recorded in Canadian Phone and Address Directories as John RAINNIE, at 221 1st St, Reston, Manitoba.

2009 - Obituary, Brandon Sun: RAINNIE: John Alfred Rainnie passed away peacefully at St Paul’s Personal Care Home, Dauphin, Manitoba on March 20, 2009, his 94th birthday. He was born on his parents’ homestead northeast of Ogema, Saskatchewan, on March 20, 1915, their first son. In 1917 the family moved to Alida, Saskatchewan settling to a farm 2 miles south and west of town. He attended school at Hastings, Alida and Carnduff. The family attended Calvin United Church. He farmed with his father through the “Dirty Thirties”. In 1940 he met a young school teacher at Oakley School, Hazel Jean Millions. They were married two years later on November 26, 1942. He continued to farm, first at Alida SK, then at Broomhill, MB. They retired from farming in 1961, moving to Reston MB where he worked for Reston Lumber Co, and later for Beaver Lumber. When it closed he started Rainnie’s Lumber and Supplies, closing it in 1974. He then worked as Custodian for Reston Collegiate until his retirement in 1980. His wife, Jean, passed away in April 1996. He continued to live in Reston until June 2004 when he went to live with his eldest daughter and her husband on their farm at Dauphin, MB. Due to failing health he moved to a Personal Care Home in April 2008. John was predeceased by his parents James Lumsden Rainnie, Mabel Emma (Farr), wife Hazel Jean (Millions), brother Norman Rainnie, and sister Eva Marshall. He is survived by daughters Peggy (Chris Skuter),and Marlene (Klaus Jensen), sons Don(Jan Giles),Larry (Patty), Garry (Perri Gardner), Ian (Miyuki), grandchildren, John(Sarah), Kathy(Ron), Teresa (Martin), Jens, Hans, Nathan, Aaron ,David, Danielle, Michael, James, Hazel, Shane, and great grandchildren Kaia, Sapphira, Anthony, Emilee, Simon, Jakob and Thomas. Also surviving are his sisters Jessie Rainnie, and Jean Hunter and sisters-in-law Ruby Garf, Mary Jane Millions and Loretta Millions. John was always a farmer at heart, loving the land and the animals. Of all the farm animals horses were his favorite. He remembered the church picnics with all the games, good food and real lemonade. He also enjoyed picnic trips to the Souris River to pick Saskatoon berries and wild plums. He looked forward to the summer cottage at Carlisle Lake and fishing. He was a devoted husband. He liked to rise early and cook the morning porridge before heading out to do chores. Grace always preceded meals, and John was always there on time. He bought the weekly groceries from his wife’s list, usually taking the children with him. He enjoyed playing with his small children, pretending he was a horse with them riding on his back. Since he didn’t have an opportunity to further his education it was important to him that his children get a good education and he was proud that all six went beyond high school. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge for most of his life and was very active in his Church and community. Throughout his life he believed in living by the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, always willing to help a neighbor who needed a helping hand. A funeral service celebrating his life was held March 28, 2009 at the Reston United Church, Rev. M. Dwight Rutherford officiating. Pallbearers were grandsons John Skuter, Jens Jensen, David Rainnie, Michael Rainnie, James Rainnie and Nathan Rainnie.